Published by Deep Tech Nation Switzerland, Swisscom Ventures, SIX Swiss Exchange and startupticker.ch, with contributions from Swisspreneur and the Swiss Startup Association, the Swiss Scale-Up Report 2026 provides a new benchmark for Switzerland’s growth-stage companies.
The study identifies 265 scale-ups within an estimated national population of 400 to 500 and draws on an in-depth survey of 75 companies to examine growth, financing and international expansion.
Switzerland’s research institutions play a central role in this development. Of the identified scale-ups, 43% are spin-offs from universities or research institutions, demonstrating how scientific knowledge translates into entrepreneurial activity. At the same time, international growth remains closely connected to Switzerland: 71% of surveyed companies retain the majority of their workforce in the country.
“Switzerland’s future prosperity will depend not only on our ability to innovate, but on our ability to scale.” Michael Sauter, Head Scale-up Booster, Deep Tech Nation Switzerland
For Switzerland Innovation, these findings underline the relevance of strong connections between science and industry. Across the Switzerland Innovation Parks, companies benefit from collaboration with leading research institutions, industry partners and specialized technology infrastructure, supporting the development and commercialization of innovative technologies.
Among the report’s other findings:
- Rapid growth: 49% of surveyed scale-ups increased revenue by more than 50% in the past year.
- International reach: 76% generate the majority of their revenue outside Switzerland, and 79% operate at least one foreign entity.
- Continued financing needs: More than seven in ten surveyed companies plan a financing round within the next 24 months.
- Changing capital sources: Swiss investors’ share of attributed later-stage capital declined from 27% in 2019–2022 to 13% in 2025.
The report highlights both an opportunity and a challenge: Switzerland’s research base produces companies with global potential, while their continued development requires patient growth capital and access to international markets. Strengthening these conditions can help Switzerland retain more of the expertise, employment and value created as its innovative companies mature.
